Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and
security when you drive it. Therefore, we have one request:
Read the information contained in this Owner's Manual before driving your new
BMW M3 Convertible for the first time. It contains important information on vehicle
operation that will enable you to make full use of the advanced technical equipment
of your BMW M3 Convertible. In addition, you will receive information on vehicle
maintenance to help ensure operating and traffic safety as well as the best possible
value retention of your BMW. For more detailed information refer to the supplemental manuals.
BMW also makes decisive contributions toward greater safety in traffic through its
BMW driver training.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It
should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important
operating, safety and maintenance information.
We have made every effort to ensure
that you are able to find what you need
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as
possible. The fastest way to find certain
topics is by using the detailed index at
the end. If you wish to gain an initial
overview of your vehicle, you will find
this in the first chapter.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at
some time in the future, please remember to hand over this Owner's Manual
to the new owner; it is an important part
of the vehicle.
Should you have any further questions,
your BMW center will be glad to assist
at any time.
You can find more information about
BMW, for example on its technology,
on the Internet at www.bmw.com.
Symbols used
Indicates precautions that must
be followed precisely in order to
avoid the possibility of personal injury
and serious damage to the vehicle.
Indicates information that will
assist you in gaining the optimum
benefit from your vehicle and enable
you to care more effectively for your
vehicle.
Refers to measures that can be
taken to help protect the environment.
Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
Indicates special equipment, country-specific equipment and optional
extras, as well as equipment and functions not yet available at the time of
printing.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory,
refer to page 64. Identifies functions that can be specifically adapted
for a particular key or vehicle. These
adjustments can be performed by your
BMW center.
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.
Your individual vehicle
On purchasing your BMW, you have
decided in favor of a model with individualized equipment and features. This
Owner's Manual will describe all of the
equipment that the BMW M3 Convertible has to offer you.
We hope you will understand that
equipment and features are included
that you might not have chosen for your
vehicle. You can easily identify any differences with the aid of the asterisk
used to identify all optional equipment
and accessories.
If your BMW features equipment that is
not described in this Owner's Manual,
such as a car radio or telephone, we
have enclosed Supplementary Owner's
Manuals. We ask you to read these
manuals as well.
Status at time of printing
BMW pursues a policy of continuous,
ongoing development that is conceived
to ensure that our vehicles continue to
embody the highest quality and safety
standards combined with advanced,
state-of-the-art technology. In exceptional cases, the features described in
this Owner's Manual could therefore
differ from those on your vehicle.
use of modern materials and highperformance electronics, requires specially adapted maintenance and repair
methods. Therefore, only have corresponding work on your BMW carried
out by a BMW center or a workshop
that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel. If work is carried out
improperly there is a danger of consequential damage and the related safety
<
risks.
Proposition 65 warning
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety
of automobile components and
parts, including components found in
the interior furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Batteries also contain other
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer. Wash your
hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory animals. Always protect your skin by
washing thoroughly with soap and
<
water.
Parts and accessories
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine
parts and accessories approved by
BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure optimum performance when installed on
your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workmanship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damages resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product made
by other manufacturers to verify if it can
be used on a BMW safely and without
risk to either the vehicle, its operation,
or its occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones, including
operation of any mobile phone from
within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna, or transceiver equipment, for instance, CBs,
walkie-talkie, ham radio or similar
accessories, may cause extensive damage to the vehicle, compromise its
safety, interfere with the vehicle’s electrical system or affect the validity of the
BMW Limited Warranty. Contact your
BMW center for additional information.
Do not use key or remote control to
lock doors or luggage compartment
with anyone inside the car. Refer to the
Owner’s Manual for more details.
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified automotive part.
<
<
Service and warranty
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following
warranties:
>
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
>
Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
>
Federal Emissions System Defect
Warranty
>
Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
>
California Emission Control System
Limited Warranty.
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models or in the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Reporting safety defects
The following only applies to vehicles
owned and operated in the US.
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NHTSA in addition to notifying BMW of
North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227,
Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227,
telephone toll-free 1-800-831-1117.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your
dealer, or BMW of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call
the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-800-424-9393 or 366-0123 in the
Washington, D.C. area, or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You
can also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
identified by
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.
are tested for proper
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immediately to prevent overheating and serious engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.
<
●
Engine oil pressure
An alarm sounds at the same
time. The engine oil pressure is
too low. Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine. It is not possible to continue driving. Please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.
Flat Tire Monitor
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: there is a flat tire.
Reduce speed and carefully come to a
stop. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to
page 88.
Brake warning lamp
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. It is very
important that you follow the instructions on page 129 before driving on.
Have the system checked immediately.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
●
<
●
●
Red: an important reminder
Brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 68.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Lock seat backrest/Please fas-
ten safety belt
Comes on together with an
acoustic signal until driver fastens
safety belt. Flashes when the backrest
is not locked.
For additional information on locking
the seat backrests, refer to page 49.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 50.
Airbags
Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 57.
The brake warning lamp comes
on together with the yellow indi-
●
cator lamps for ABS
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system has failed. Continue driving cautiously and
defensively and avoid full brake
applications. Please have the system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 86, 113.
Indicator and warning lamps
CBC, ABS and DSC for Cana-
dian models.
and
Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center
Sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic
If the indicator lamp fails to go
out after the engine is started, or if it
comes on during normal driving: this
indicates a malfunction in the system.
Have the system checked immediately.
Indicator lamp flashes: a system overload has occurred.
For additional information, refer to
page 74.
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving and is
accompanied by an alarm: the
engine oil level has fallen to the absolute minimum; refill as soon as possible.
Do not drive more than 30 miles/50 km
before refilling.
For additional information, refer to
page 126.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off and is accompanied by an alarm: add engine oil at your
earliest opportunity such as when you
stop to refuel
For additional information, refer to
page 126.
Brake pads
Have the brake pads checked
immediately.
For additional information, refer to
page 112.
Flat Tire Monitor
The Flat Tire Monitor has been
deactivated, either at the button
or in response to a system malfunction.
If there is a malfunction, have the systen checked.
For additional information, refer to
page 88.
The indicator lamp flashes and
an acoustic signal sounds: the system
is active and governs drive and braking
force.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on
during normal driving and stays on:
DSC has been deactivated, either at the
button or in response to a system malfunction.
If there is a malfunction, have the system checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 86.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 113.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid level is too low,
top it up at the earliest opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 126.
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermittently, this indicates a fault in the emissions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains operational, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: Refer to
●
page 132.
Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics
There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.
●
Add coolant
Coolant level too low, top up as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 128.
CHECK GAS CAP*
●
missing.
Close the gas cap tightly: refer to
page 25.
tion. Please have the system inspected
immediately at your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 62.
This indicator lamp comes on
when the gas cap is loose or
Rollover protection system
The rollover protection system is
deactivated due to a malfunc-
●
●
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when turn signals are
on. Rapid flashing: indicates a
system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 75.
The hazard warning triangle is stored
ready to use in the luggage compartment lid inside the toolbox for the
onboard tool kit.
To open the container, loosen the wing
nut.
Always observe all legal regulations requiring a warning triangle
to be carried in the vehicle.<
The first-aid kit is located under the
front passenger's seat.
To open: pull the handle and fold the
cover down.
To fasten: fold the cover up and press it
until the tab engages.
Several of the items contained in
the first-aid pouch have a limited
service life. For this reason, check the
expiration dates of each of the items
regularly, and replace any with passed
dates. These items can be purchased in
any drugstore or pharmacy.
Always observe all legal regulations
requiring a first-aid kit to be carried in
the vehicle.<
all of the applicable safety precautions posted at the service station.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of
a collision.<
Fuel filler door
Always switch off the engine
before refueling, as it is not possible to add fuel with the engine running,
and attempts may also trigger the
SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you
can unlock the fuel filler door manually:
Pull the knob with the fuel pump symbol
on the right trim panel of the luggage
compartment.
Please observe while refuelling
Open the gas cap carefully to prevent fuel from spraying out. Fuel
spray may cause injury.<
Place the gas cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Lifting the
nozzle during refueling
> results in premature pump shutoff
> and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle shuts off the first time.
Place the cap in position and turn it
until a clearly audible click is heard.
Close the gas cap carefully after
refueling until a click is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
CHECK GAS CAP* lamp.<
Warning lamp* lights up. The
gas cap is not properly closed
or is missing. Check if the gas
cap is properly closed.
Fuel tank capacity
> Approx. 16.6 gal./63 liters, of which
> approx. 2.1 gal./8 liters are reserve
capacity.
Do not drive to the last drop of
fuel. This can prevent the engine
from operating properly and result in
damage.<
The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel
Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
Minimum Octane Rating: AKI 91.
Minimum Octane Rating corresponds to
the Anti Knock Index AKI and is determined according to the so-called
(R+M)/2 method.
Do not use leaded gasoline, as
otherwise the lambda probe and
catalytic converter will be permanently
damaged.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant differences in fuel quality: volatility,
composition, additives, etc., among
gasolines offered for sale in the United
States and Canada. Fuels containing up
to and including 10% ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by
weight, that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of cosolvent, will not void the applicable
warranties with respect to defects in
materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may
result in drivability, starting and
stalling problems especially under certain environmental conditions such as
high ambient temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems which you suspect could be
related to the fuel you are using, we
recommend that you respond by
switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recommendations may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<
is powered by an extended-life battery that is charged automatically in
the ignition lock as you drive. For this
reason, user every master key at
least twice a year to keep its battery
charged. Depending on which master
key is recognized when the vehicle is
unlocked, different settings are called
up and carried out in the vehicle,
refer to Vehicle Memory, Key Memory
on page 64.
2 Replacement key for storage in a safe
place, e.g. your wallet.
This key cannot be used to open the
locks for the luggage compartment
lid or the glove compartment. This
can be advantageous for valet parking, for example. The key is not
intended for constant use.
The concept
The central locking system engages
and releases the following locks at the
same time:
> doors
> luggage compartment lid
> fuel filler door and
> glove compartment.
The central locking system is ready for
operation whenever the driver's door is
closed.
The central locking system can be
operated
> from outside via the door lock and
using the remote control
> from inside via the central locking
system button.
If it is operated from inside, the fuel
filler door will not be locked, refer to
page 32.
Operating it from outside simultaneously activates the anti-theft system,
which prevents the doors from being
unlocked via the door lock buttons or
the door release handles.
In the event of a sufficiently severe
accident, the central locking system
unlocks automatically. In addition, the
hazard warning flashers and interior
lamps come on.
The remote control also provides two
additional functions beyond the central
locking feature:
> Switch on the interior lamps, refer to
page 30.
With this function you can also
search for your vehicle – when
parked in an underground garage, for
instance
> Open the luggage compartment lid,
refer to page 30.
The luggage compartment lid will
open slightly, regardless of whether it
was locked or unlocked.
Whenever you unlock or lock the vehicle, you simultaneously deactivate/activate the anti-theft system and switch
the interior lamps on/off.
You can have the signal confirming that the vehicle's locks have
engaged securely deactivated.<
Master keys with remote control
Since passengers or animals
remaining in the vehicle might be
able to lock the doors from the inside,
always take the vehicle's keys with you
so that the vehicle can be opened again
from the outside at any time.<
If it is no longer possible to lock
the vehicle via the remote control,
the battery is discharged. Use this key
while driving for an extended period in
order to recharge the battery. To prevent unauthorized use of the remote
control, surrender only the spare key
when leaving the vehicle for valet parking, for example.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your BMW center. You
can also obtain replacement keys
there.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
1 Unlocking and convenience opening
2 Locking and securing, turning on
interior lamps,
3 Opening luggage compartment lid
To release
Press button to unlock the driver's door
only.
Press the button twice in order to
unlock the entire vehicle.<
Convenience opening mode
Press the button briefly and then keep it
pressed. The windows and the fullyautomatic convertible top open.
As a confirmation that the vehicle's locks have engaged
securely, the hazard warning flashers
light up once.<
You can have this confirmation
signal deactivated.<
To switch on the interior lamps
After locking the vehicle, press button
again.
With this function, you can also search
for your vehicle when parked in an
underground garage, for instance.
To open the luggage
compartment lid
Press button briefly.
The lid will open slightly, no matter
whether it was locked or unlocked.
If the vehicle was previously
locked, the luggage compartment
is also locked again after it is closed.
Before and after a trip, be sure that the
luggage compartment lid has not been
opened unintentionally.<
Panic mode* – trigger alarm
By pressing the button for more than
2 seconds, the alarm system* can be
triggered in the event of danger, if the
system is armed.
To switch off the alarm
Press button.
External systems
Malfunctions:
Local radio waves can impede the functioning of the remote control.
If this occurs, open and close the vehicle using a master key in the door lock.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with part 15 of the FCC Federal
Communications Commission regulations. Operation is governed by the following:
FCC ID:
> LX8EWS
> LX8FZVS
> LX8FZVE.
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
> This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
> this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications to
these devices could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.<
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